Pros
Despite the current economy and sluggish market segment (subprime auto loans), the company has shown stability during these turbulent times and adaptability to changes in environment. While other, larger competitors have cut loan originations by 50-80% in the last year, Drive Financial has maintained a fairly stable level of loan originations. Mid-level management is supportive and understanding of front line employees as they were once front line workers themselves. There is a commraderie (sp?) among the front line employees, especially in the sales department. While career advancement is somewhat limited by virtue of being a smaller company, employees are given the opportunity to standout. Employees that do perform are recognized. The company is poised for success when the economy turns around because of lack of competitors in the market place and backing of the parent company (Europe's largest by market cap) Santander.
Cons
Uncertainty in the market place has led to the conserative decisions and programs. These decisions make reaching commission goals difficult and therefore pay has suffered. Sales representatives that survived two rounds of layoffs have had pay cut by 20-30% in the last year. Unfortunately, customer service is not made a priority by leadership and the sentiment is transfered down to non-sales employees. Customers are often turned off by the lack of customer service provided by the company as a whole. Those not comfortable with change would not do well at this company as change is a constant. Those able to 'roll with the punches' will do fine.